CBN Acknowledges High Court Ruling Over Dissolution Of Union Bank Board

Union Bank board. The court ruled that the CBN acted beyond its legal powers and, therefore, overturned that decision.

(CBN), on Thursday, acknowledged the judgement of a Federal High Court, Lagos Division, over its regulatory action on the Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (UBN) in January 2024.

This is contained in a statement by its acting director, Corporate Communications Department, Hakama Sidi-Ali, made available to journalists in Abuja.

Ms Sidi-Ali said that the apex bank was currently obtaining the Certified True Copy of the judgement and would review it carefully. She reaffirmed the CBN’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

“As the apex regulatory authority, the CBN remains committed to acting in accordance with its mandate and established legal processes.

“The CBN assures the public that UBN’s status is unchanged and that it remains fully capable of meeting its obligations to customers, depositors, and all stakeholders.

“The CBN will continue to provide the necessary regulatory oversight to ensure that the Union Bank operates in a safe, sound, and stable manner, while maintaining public confidence in the financial system,” she said.

CBN

The court ruling of Wednesday relates to an earlier action taken by the CBN in January 2024, which dissolved UBN’s board and management.

The court ruled that the CBN acted beyond its legal powers and therefore overturned that decision.

Anioma State Will Be Created — With Asaba As Its Capital, Says Akpabio

Anioma state. The senate president said the President Bola Tinubu administration remains committed to the initiative.

Akpabio said Warri would serve as the capital of the new Delta state if Anioma is created.

He said Warri already has key infrastructure, including an airport, government offices, major oil companies, a seaport, and a stadium.

Governors of Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River attended the congress.

Other political leaders and party stakeholders from across the south-south region were also at the event.

Akpabio described the agitation for Anioma state as historically justified, noting that the proposal reflects a long-standing aspiration rooted in equity, administrative efficiency, and balanced development.

The senate president said the initiative, championed by Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta north, has continued to receive legislative attention.

Akpabio added that the proposal ranks among the priorities of the 10th senate, adding that the creation of Anioma state would come with socio-economic and administrative benefits.

The ex-Akwa Ibom governor said the restructuring would split Delta state into two viable entities and promote decentralisation.

“Anioma state will be created, with Asaba as its capital. The senate fully supports the initiative spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko,” he said.

“This step will usher in a new era of development and shared prosperity for all constituent communities.

“With Asaba as Anioma state capital, Warri will be the capital of the new Delta.”

Akpabio

Akpabio also called for unity among the people of the south-south region.

He urged stakeholders to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, emphasising that such support would promote sustainable growth and national integration.

In November 2025, Nwoko announced that the bid to create Anioma state has gained significant momentum, with constitutional amendment committees and Tinubu backing the endeavour.

He said 97 senators previously signed a document endorsing the move, describing the level of support as unprecedented.

FCT Minister Wike Seeks Stronger Partnership With Japan To Fast-Track Abuja Master Plan

Abuja Master Plan. Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says his administration will strengthen collaboration with the Japanese government to fast-track Abuja’s development in line with its master plan.

Wike spoke during the visit of Suzuki Hideo, Japanese ambassador to Nigeria, alongside officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The minister applauded the role of Japan in the development and review of the Abuja master plan, stressing its importance for long-term growth.

“You have contributed to education, health, nutrition, and other critical sectors that impact directly on our people,” he said.

“You have been working closely with the FCDA on the Abuja master plan. That is very key for us. We will continue to cooperate with you to ensure that this is actualised.”

The minister said Japan’s interventions in Nigeria’s education sector include training programmes for teachers and support for quality learning infrastructure.

According to him, “we have seen the support in education, including training of our teachers in Tokyo. This is very important to improve our education sector.”

Wike said agriculture and urban development are priority areas for future collaboration, while assuring the Japanese delegation that the FCT administration is ready to provide an enabling environment for sustained partnership.

“We will partner with you, particularly in agriculture and city development, to ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President becomes a reality,” he added.

While speaking, the Japanese ambassador reiterated the commitment of his country to Nigeria’s development.

He stressed that Abuja remains prominent to Nigeria’s progress in its status as the political and administrative capital.

He said Japan is advancing projects in waste management and industrial development, including a plastics value chain initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), with a pilot facility set for handover.

“The development of Abuja is crucial for driving Nigeria’s progress. Japan and JICA have been implementing various projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development,” he said.

FCT Minister Wike

He stressed that there are ongoing efforts to upgrade the Abuja master plan through JICA and improve residents’ quality of life and support sustainable urban growth.

Ishigame Keiji, the chief representative of the JICA Nigeria office, noted that the interventions of the organisation in FCT cut across critical issues like water, power, health, agriculture, and education sectors.

He explained that the review of the 1979 master plan of Abuja, which focuses on infrastructure expansion, economic growth, and climate resilience, is being supported by JICA to align with the development needs of the city up to 2050.

Keiji stated that the agency is ready to move into priority infrastructure development immediately once the revised plan is completed, backed by its global experience in executing large-scale projects.